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The role of internalizing and externalizing behavioral problems in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in predicting psychological distress: determining the mediating role of parenting styles and the moderating role of secure attachment
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Shirin Abdollahi *1    , Samira Vakili1 , Leila Kashani2 , Mohammad Parsa Azizi2 |
1- Department of Psychology and Education of Exceptional Children, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
2- Department of Psychology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran |
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Abstract: (207 Views) |
Background and Purpose: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common psychological disorders, causing significant interpersonal relationship difficulties. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the role of internalizing and externalizing behavioral problems in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in predicting psychological distress through the mediation of parenting styles and moderating role of secure attachment.
Method: This study employed a descriptive-correlational design using structural equation modeling and path analysis. The statistical population included all parents of children with ADHD who visited psychological service centers in District 1 of Tehran in 2023. A sample of 276 participants was selected through convenience sampling. Research tools included the Revised Adult Attachment Scale (RAAS; Collins & Read, 1990), Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL; Achenbach, 1991), Parenting Styles Questionnaire (BPSQ; Baumrind, 1971), and the Hopkins Symptom Checklist ((HSCL; Derogatis et al., 1974). Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) with SPSS-27 and SmartPLS-4.
Results: Results indicated that emotional distress, mediated by neglectful parenting, had a significant positive effect on externalizing problem behaviors (B = 0.062, p = 0.004) and internalizing problem behaviors (B = 0.054, p = 0.008).
Conclusion: Based on the findings, increasing secure attachment, reducing emotional distress, and modifying neglectful and authoritarian parenting styles can decrease internalizing and externalizing problem behaviors. Higher emotional distress leads to maladaptive parenting styles and increased problem behaviors. |
Article number: 5 |
| Keywords: Internalizing and externalizing behavioral problems, attention- deficit hyperactivity disorder, emotional distress, parenting styles, secure attachment |
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Full-Text [PDF 1577 kb]
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2025/03/31 | Accepted: 2025/05/22 | Published: 2025/05/31
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